Understanding CFLs

Although the use of CFLs is steadily spreading, public understanding about how to dispose of them responsibly has not kept pace.

The current lighting trend around the country is to incorporate compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs, into residences and workplaces. Many energy audits have listed the use of these lightbulbs as the lowest-cost, fastest-payback way to reduce energy consumption. While CFLs cost more than conventional incandescent lightbulbs, they use about 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer. Therefore, the market share for CFLs has recently dramatically increased to 11%, driven by advances in the technology, consumer interest, and a lower price point.